Moon: Path to Korean Peninsula denuclearization agreed

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14:06

Moon Jae-in, president of the Republic of Korea (ROK), told a news conference on Wednesday that a route to achieving denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula had been agreed in talks with Kim Jong Un, the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang.

Speaking after the leaders signed a wide-ranging agreement, Moon said "a way to achieve denuclearization" had been agreed, adding that the DPRK was willing to "permanently shut down" the Tongchang-ri missile engine test site with international experts observing.

He added that other facilities, such as the Yongbyon complex, could be closed, and claimed that complete denuclearization is not too far in the future.

ROK President Moon Jae-in (L) and DPRK leader Kim Jong Un at‍ their second round of summit talks at Paekhwawon State Guesthouse in Pyongyang, Sept. 19, 2018. /VCG Photo

According to Yonhap, the agreement signed in Pyongyang states that the DPRK is willing to take additional denuclearization steps alongside corresponding action by the US.

"The North (DPRK) expressed its willingness to continue taking additional steps, such as permanent shutdown of the Yongbyon nuclear facility, should the United States take corresponding measures under the spirit of the June 12 North Korea (DPRK)-US joint statement," it said.

05:04

Kim said that he had agreed to travel to Seoul for further talks "in the near future," and added the summit marked a "leap forward" toward peace. He accepted trials and challenges lay ahead, but said he was confident that they would be overcome.

"The declaration may not be long, but there is breadth for new hope," Kim added. "These aspirations will become reality in the not too distant future."

Moon, who is expected to meet President Donald Trump later this month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, added that he hoped discussions between the DPRK and the US would start once again.

Trump tweeted that the progress was "very exciting" shortly after the news conference ended.

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Defense deal inked

Defense chiefs from the DPRK and ROK earlier signed a comprehensive military agreement aiming to reduce tensions on the peninsula. Moon said the agreement would see the formation of a military committee for discussions to help avoid clashes, adding that "a war-free Korean Peninsula begins today."

Yonhap reported that agreement had been found on implementing a no-fly zone in border areas, ending border military drills, and removing 11 border guard posts by the end of 2018.

Cultural exchanges agreed

The leaders also revealed that they had agreed to push ahead with plans to link railways between the countries, and to exchange in fields including tourism and healthcare as well as step up family reunions.

The ROK president added that the leaders may submit a joint bid to host the 2032 Summer Olympic Games.

Moon is in Pyongyang for a three-day trip, his third meeting with Kim this year, with the aim of putting new momentum into DPRK-US talks over denuclearization and further improving inter-Korean ties.

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